Word about Maruti Suzuki launching a Micro SUV in India emerged a few months ago. The iM-4 codenamed Micro SUV, that Suzuki has just unwrapped at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show could just be it. Production plans haven’t been revealed for now though, with Suzuki preferring to play cards close to its chest.
What has been instead revealed is the size of the vehicle in question, which at 3.69 meters in length, sits bang in Micro SUV territory, and too small to fit from the compact SUV segment. The iM-4 could be Suzuki’s answer to the Mahindra S101, which will soon become India’s first Micro SUV, what with a late 2015 launch in the works.
The iM-4 from Suzuki sit on the New Generation Platform and is distinct from the YBA code named Compact SUV that the Japanese automaker will launch in India, early next year. Featuring a four wheel drive system, a 1.2 liter petrol engine and an electric motor handle propulsion duties.
In terms of design, Suzuki has played safe with the iM-4, choosing a straight forward form factor that seems like the right mix of butch and cute. Riding on 18 inch wheels, the concept is likely to lose the tall wheels for more production friendly sizes. The Micro SUV is aimed at urban streets and mild off road trails, says Suzuki.
If Maruti Suzuki brings the iM-4 to India, the Micro SUV is expected to sit under stablemate YBA in terms of price and positioning, rubbing shoulders with premium hatchbacks. A diesel motor is also likely to be in the engine mix for the Indian car market.
For now, here’s what Suzuki has chosen to share about the iM-4,
- Overall length: 3,693 mm
- Overall width: 1,709 mm
- Overall height: 1,566 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,438 mm
- Tyre size: 215/45R18
- Engine: 1.2L DUALJET engine + SHVS
- Drive system: 4WD
- Platform: New-generation platform